Marvin Gaye: Premeditated Suicide

The Backroom

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Marvin Gaye, known for his R&B hits "Let's Get It On", "Sexual Healing", "What's Going On" and more, was shot and killed by his own father on April 1, 1984. He was one day shy of his 45th birthday. The murder had stemmed from an argument between his mother, Alberta Gay, and his father, Marvin Gay Sr. Marvin and his father always had a rough relationship. It had reached its peak. Because it was April 1st, many believed the news to be a hoax. A year prior, Marvin embarked on a comeback tour after spending time in Europe. Halfway through the tour, Marvin began using cocaine again to cope with the pressure of touring. He eventually became so paranoid that he'd wear a bulletproof vest up until he got on stage. Between August 1983 and April 1984, Marvin's mental health continued to decline. He was so low, death was always on his mind. He contemplated his own suicide many times. As his parents fought, Marvin saw this as an opportunity to provoke his father, to the point were he grabbed a gun and shot his own son. As Marvin laid dying, he whispered to his brother "I got what I wanted... I couldn't do it myself, so I had him do it... It's good, I ran my race, there's no more left in me". Marvin Gaye was pronounced dead on arrival at 1:01 pm. His father, Marvin Gay Sr., was sentenced to a six year suspended sentence and five years if probation. His siblings continue to believe that Marvin's death was a suicide by the hands of their father. His sister has stated that Marvin "knew what he was doing".